Anyone notice any inconsistencies associated with trip trade processing times lately? I realize that certain circumstances require prioritizing of tasks while working the desk, but I have also noticed some clear differences that seem to be more a factor of who is working the desk rather than what may be going on system wide.

It is my understanding that the trip trade system is pretty much automated to the point of being "hands off" but to give Crew Scheds the benefit of the doubt, I was also told by a helpful scheduler, that all trades must still be reviewed by a live person prior to finalization. Great, good policy.... but, that is not the gist of this message, the real issue here is something much more basic. Mutual Respect.

So I recently called scheduling and after a genuine, but futile attempt at exchanging courtesies...I very politely inquired about the status of a particular trip trade and was quite taken aback by the lack of enthusiasm, poor attitude and marginal courtesy ...........and believe me, when I heard the familiar dead sounding voice on the other end of the line, I phrased my question carefully. Most times when I have called, at least in my experience, people seem very attentive, so I have to conclude that it may have more to do more with the person sitting at the desk. (Hint: Begins with a P and ends with an A).........and for anyone that has worked here for a reasonable amount of time, you know of whom and of what I speak. As a professional, I have come to expect a certain measure of performance for myself and I am happy to report that over the years, I have come to know a great many outstanding people who share that same sentiment, but unfortunately, I have also met those who do not. My opinion is this: If you are a part of this team, your understanding and sensitivity for your fellow employee, while nice to have, should not be a prerequisite for common respect and courtesy. If you don't get that, fine, then perhaps this is a matter better suited for management, but for me.....I am neither a therapist nor a manager, so my advice is to walk that bad attitude off elsewhere.

I find this to be particularly frustrating since we are occasionally reminded about our "tone" when dealing with other employee groups and yet, some long time offenders from the non pilot side, seem to go on for years in ignorance of this standard with apparent impunity. Now, I don't want to get into an "us and them" argument or any other type of similar nonsense, because in my experience it is a futile exercise that contributes nothing toward solving a problem or resolving an issue...(perhaps neither does writing this post), but we all work for the same team and for the most part, we all try to do our best. We are told to come to work with our "A" game...and I totally agree with that sentiment. We are reminded that no one person is more important than another and that all are deserving of our respect....and I agree......but sometimes.........sometimes.....when I run into those rare exceptions....I am reminded of the scene from the movie Pulp Fiction. You know, the one where Jules says to Ringo at the end of his now infamous rant:


I'm tryin' Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to
be a shepherd.